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35+ Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes

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Need sweet potato dinner recipes? Here are 35+ recipes by category including slow cooker, with chicken or beef, vegetarian and more!

Sweet Potato Dinner Recipe Ideas

*Originally published 11/2021. Updated 4/2024*

Hi friends!

Let’s chat sweet potato dinner recipes. Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile veggies.

What are the Benefits of Sweet Potatoes?

So what are the health benefits of sweet potatoes? They’re technically a vegetable, but they’re also starchy so they are a source of carbohydrates as well. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and C so they’re great for your visium, immune system and more. They’re also high in antioxidants which help protect your cells!

As for the benefits of sweet potato skins, they’re high in fiber which is great for gut health. Adding fiber to your meals will help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time. Sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.

How to cook sweet potatoes // How do you prepare sweet potatoes for a healthy dinner?

If you need one quickly, you can just stab it all over with a knife and microwave for 5-6 minutes for a microwave baked potato. Or you can use a countertop appliance:

You can also dice and roast them in the oven or add them to recipes without cooking them first.

Can sweet potatoes be made into noodles for dinner recipes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes are easy to spiralize and hold their shape really well. They don’t get quite as mushy as zucchini noodles and can be used in stirfries, casseroles, soups and more!

Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes

If you’re looking to include them in your meals, here are some easy sweet potato recipes:

slow cooker sweet potato recipes

Crockpot Sweet Potato Recipes (or Instant Pot) – How do you make a sweet potato dinner in a slow cooker?

Kitchen appliances like a slow cooker or instant pot are great for recipes using sweet potatoes because they cook them to make them soft but the sweet potatoes still hold their shape and don’t totally fall apart!

chicken and sweet potato dinner recipes

Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipes – Are there any sweet potato recipes that pair well with chicken?

Chicken is one of the most popular proteins and it pairs very well with sweet potatoes. Combine them in casseroles, soups, bowls and more.

beef and sweet potato recipes

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipes (or turkey)

Sweet potatoes also pair well with ground meat in a variety of dishes like meatballs, chili, tacos and more.

black bean sweet potato dinner recipes

Black Bean Sweet Potato Recipe – Can sweet potatoes be used in vegetarian dinner recipes?

Yes! They’re super versatile and pair well with vegetarian proteins like beans, lentils and tofu.

lentil sweet potato recipes

Lentil sweet potato recipes (or vegetarian)

Here are some ideas using lentils:

easy sweet potato recipes

Easy Sweet Potato Recipes

These are some super easy sweet potato recipes that you can try on a busy night:

Sweet Potato Fries Dinner Ideas

If you’re looking for a simple sweet potato dinner side dish, try homemade sweet potato fries! Here are a few ways to make them:

Sweet Potato Dinner Ideas for Kids // Sweet Potato Meal Ideas for Babies

Are there any sweet potato dinner recipes that are kid-friendly?

Yes! Sweet potatoes are actually one of the vegetables kids love most. They have a mild flavor, mix well with cheese and can easily be added to a lot of kid-friendly dishes. If you’re trying to get your kids to eat more sweet potatoes or trying baby-led weaning, try some of these recipes:

Quick Baked Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes

Need quick dinner ideas using baked sweet potatoes?

If you saw anything that caught your eye, be sure to pin this post for later!

Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes FAQs

What are some quick sweet potato dinner recipes?

My favorite sweet potato recipes are easy to customize, quick to make and don’t require an exact recipe. This includes things like:

  • Loaded baked sweet potatoes – bake your sweet potatoes in the oven, crockpot, air fryer or microwave ahead of time and then top with your favorite meat, cheese and sauteed veggies.
  • Sheet pan sausage and sweet potatoes – Dice up sweet potatoes, slice some sausage and add another veggie like green beans or broccoli and bake them all together on a sheet pan.
  • Tacos – roast some diced sweet potatoes ahead of time and then mix them with black beans and use as a filling for tacos.

What are some ways to make sweet potatoes crispy for dinner?

The most common reason sweet potatoes don’t get crispy is because the pan is too crowded. There needs to be space between the potatoes on the baking sheet so air can circulate and help the edges get crispy.

Make sure the pieces you’re using aren’t too thick or they will have trouble getting crispy. Also make sure you’re roasting at a high temperature like 425 degrees F to help sweet potatoes crisp up and don’t use too much oil – just a light spray is best.

Loaded with spring vegetables and topped with over-easy eggs, this paleo, gluten-free Spring Breakfast Salad is an easy and delicious way to start your day with more veggies!

Can sweet potatoes be used in salad recipes for dinner?

I absolutely love adding roasted sweet potatoes to salads. Here are a few ideas:

Are there any sweet potato meal prep recipes that can be made ahead of time?

Sweet potatoes are great for meal prep because they hold their shape well after cooking and reheat well. Try some of these recipes that can be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed all week long for a quick lunch or dinner:

Sweet Potato Meal Ideas

Need sweet potato dinner recipes? Here are 35+ recipes by category including slow cooker, with chicken or beef, vegetarian and more!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Healthy Walmart Snacks

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Looking for the best healthy Walmart snacks? Here are some ideas for everything from chips, crackers and granola bars to protein and frozen snacks.

healthy walmart snacks

*Published 8/2021. Updated 4/2024*

Hi friends!

We’re continuing our snack series with the best Walmart snacks. If you need to play catch up, check out these posts as well! Here are some of my favorite snacks from specific stores:

And here’s where I cover some popular snack categories:

Remember that all of these snacks would also be great in lunch boxes! If you need help packing lunches check out my Month of Easy Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids guide.

The Best Healthy Walmart Snacks

So what are the best snacks at Walmart? As a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3, here are some general guidelines I try to follow and recommend:

  • I try to choose snacks that have at least 2g of both protein and fiber most of the time.
  • I focus on making sure snacks include protein so if I have a snack like crackers or cereal, I pair it with a protein like yogurt or turkey etc.
  • I try to limit added sugar to 6g or less whenever possible. Occasionally 7-8g, but snacks with 9+ grams of added sugar or more are more like treats than snacks in my opinion.
  • I check the sodium content but it doesn’t always make or break my choices. Remember that 140mg or less of sodium per serving is generally considered low sodium.

With that being said, here are some of the best Walmart healthy snacks, in my opinion. I’ve tried to include some name brands as well as some of their Great Value store brand.

Healthy Store-Bought Snacks To Get At Walmart

Walmart Snacks Chips & Crackers

Walmart Snacks Chips – Are there healthy crunchy snacks like chips at Walmart?

If you’re looking for crunchy/salty snacks like chips and crackers, here are some ideas:

  • Ritz Toasted Pita Chips
  • Goya Plantain Chips
  • New York Style Bagel Crisps
  • Crunchmaster’s Multi-Seed Crackers
  • Great Value Vegetable Chip Mix
  • Terra Sweet Potato Chips
  • Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn (made with avocado oil)
  • Great Value Thin Wheat Crackers
  • Great Value Woven Wheat Crackers
  • Late July Sea Salt Thin and Crispy Chips
  • Whisps Cheese Crisps
  • Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
  • Great Value Mountain Trail Mix
  • Great Value Shelled Pistachios (are any of their nuts!)
  • Triscuit Thin Crisps

Reminder to pair crackers and chips with some extra protein if possible!

walmart protein snacks

Walmart Protein Snacks – What are some good protein-rich snacks at Walmart?

If you need protein-based snacks, here are some ideas. Check the nutrition label to make sure they have at least a few grams of protein. I think snacks with at least 6 grams of protein are considered a protein-rich snack:

  • Stonyfield Organic Kids yogurt cups
  • Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Vanilla Yogurt
  • Great Value Plain Greek Yogurt (Walmart doesn’t have many good lower sugar yogurt options so an easy solution is to mix plain and flavored yogurt together to reduce the sugar content!)
  • Breakstone’s Cottage Doubles
  • Great Value Cheese Cubes
  • Frigo Combo Pack – Colby Jack cheese & turkey sticks
  • Chobani drinkable yogurt
  • Great Value frozen edamame
  • Lorissa’s Kitchen jerky
  • Great Value Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Horizon Organic shelf stable milk
  • Great Value cheese sticks
  • GogoSqueez Morning Smoothies
  • Oscar Mayer Natural turkey breast
walmart fruit snacks

Walmart Fruit Snacks

Ideas for snacks involving fruit:

  • Great Value Dried Apricots (or any other unsweetened dried fruit)
  • Great Value Triple Berry Blend frozen berries (mix with milk and spinach for a quick smoothie!
  • Great Value Banana Chips
  • Great Value Bursting Berry fruit pouches
  • Freshness Guaranteed Mild Guacamole (great with plantain chips!)
  • Wymans Just Fruit & Greek Yogurt Bites
  • Mamma Chia Squeeze
  • Great Value Unsweetened Applesauce
  • Great Value Diced Fruit in 100% juice

Remember fruit are a carb source so pair with protein or healthy fats for a more filling snack!

walmart granola bars

Walmart Granola Bar Snacks – Can I find healthy snack bars at Walmart?

Ideas for the best bars Walmart offers. Many of these contain nuts so if your school is nut-free you might need other options:

  • Nature’s Bakery Baked-Ins
  • Belvita Soft Baked Cookies (a little higher in added sugar but also have some protein and fiber)
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Date & Nut Bars (very similar to Larabars)
  • Happykid Bars
  • Bear Naked Granola (add to yogurt for a parfait!)
  • Safe & Fair Birthday Cake Granola (top allergen-free!)
  • KIND Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars
  • KIND Nut Butter Filled Snack Bars
  • KIND Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars
  • Kashi Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bars
  • Larabar Minis
  • Simple Mills Dark Chocolate Almond Soft Baked Bars
  • RX Kids Bars

Here’s a list I made of Healthy Storebought Granola Bars for Kids and here are some Nut-Free Packaged Snacks.

walmart carb snacks

Walmart Carb Snacks

Some healthy carb sources for snacks:

  • Cheerios
  • Dave’s Killer Bread Thin-Sliced
  • Dave’s Killer Bread Raisin’ The Roof
  • Thomas Whole Wheat English Muffins
  • Aladdin’s Small Pitas
  • Great Value Quick Oats (oatmeal or overnight oats make a great snack!
  • KIND Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal – if you want pre-flavored packets
  • Quaker Fruit & Cream – these are a little higher in sugar than I’d like but occasionally fine (I ate them all the time growing up 🙂
  • Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat Bread (for sandwiches, french toast etc)
  • Great Value Rice Squares – here are more Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids
individual snacks walmart

Can I find individually wrapped snacks at Walmart? (Healthy Snacks On The Go Walmart)

At Walmart P3 snacks and other convenience snacks like them are readily available.  While these are fine occasionally, I highly encourage you to make your own to save money. You can easily buy a bag of cheese cubes, some nuts and dried fruit, a box of crackers and a package of lunch meat and recreate all of these for much cheaper!

Walmart Frozen Snacks

If you are looking specifically for frozen snacks here a few ideas:

  • Ian’s Fish Sticks
  • Great Value Edamame
  • Amy’s Frozen Burritos/Enchiladas
  • Tyson Chicken Nuggets/Patties
  • Red’s Chicken & Cheddar Burritos (a little higher in sodium than I’d like)
  • Siete Almond Flour Tortillas (to make quesadillas or tacos)
  • Kodiak Power Flapjacks

Walmart Diabetic Snacks

And in case you’re looking for the best Walmart snacks for diabetics specifically? I wanted to share a few that might be chosen by my husband who is a type 1 diabetic:

  • Simple Mills Almond Crackers
  • Great Value Cheese sticks
  • Great Value Nuts
  • Jerky
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Turkey sandwiches
  • Crunchmaster crackers
  • Triscuit thin crisps
  • Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn
  • Simple Mills Soft Baked Bars
  • Whisps cheese crisps

Healthy Snacks At Walmart For Kids

What healthy snack options does Walmart have for kids? Here are some of my favorite snacks for kids that are available at Walmart:

  • Crackers like Great Value Woven Wheats and Triscuits Thin Crisps with cheese
  • Yogurt with fruit
  • English muffins to make English Muffin Pizzas to keep in the freezer
  • KIND Bars and Larabars
  • Frozen fruit, peanut butter and milk to make a smoothie.
  • Nuts, cereal and dried fruit to make trail mix

Did you find any new ideas?

Healthy Walmart Shopping List FAQs

Healthy Walmart Shopping List FAQs - simple mills almond flour crackers

Are there glulten-free snack options available at Walmart?

Yes! You can search their website to browse their gluten-free options. Some of my favorites include:

And remember that a lot of foods like cheese, yogurt, fruits and veggies, hummus, nuts, etc are naturally gluten-free. You can also check my list of Best Healthy Gluten-Free Snacks and look for them at Walmart.

Are there vegan snack options at Walmart?

Look for fresh fruits and veggies, snack bars like Larabars and other products that are naturally vegan.

Walmart also carries a lot of vegan brands including Daiya Foods, Gardein, Beyond Meat, Morningstar Farms and more!

How can I find snacks with low-sodium content at Walmart?

The best way to find low-sodium snacks is to check the label. Low-sodium snacks are categorized as snacks that contain less than 140mg of sodium per serving.

walmart snack - so delicious coconut milk

Are there dairy-free snacks available at Walmart?

Look for naturally dairy-free snacks as well as snacks from brands like Daiya, So Delicious, Silk, Follow Your Heart, and more that can provide substitutes for some of the non dairy-free snacks recommended in this post.

What are some healthy snack options for on the go at Walmart?

I have a couple of posts that might be helpful- Healthy Road Trip Snacks and Low Mess Car Snacks For Kids. Check them out for some ideas that can be found at Walmart!

How can I choose healthy snacks at Walmart on a budget?

Here are a few tips:

  • Definitely check out their Great Value brand. Walmart is known for their affordable prices and store-brands are even cheaper than name brands in most cases.
  • Shop the sales and if you’re able, stock up on non-perishable snacks when they go on sale.
  • Avoid individually packaged snacks. Instead, buy a larger bag and portion into snack-sized bags yourself to save money!
healthy lunch box walmart

What Walmart snacks are suitable for packing in school lunches?

If you need help with lunch packing, check out my resource- A Month of Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids. A lot of the ideas shown can be found at Walmart and if you can’t find the exact product, you can probably find something similar!

How do I find the newest healthy snack options at Walmart?

Stores love to show off their new products. Look front and center when you walk in, check the ads and also check the end caps or individual displays that might be spotlighting new products!

Best Healthy Snack Brands at Walmart

Looking for the best healthy Walmart snacks? Here are some ideas for everything from chips, crackers, granola bars and more.

What are your favorite Walmart snacks?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

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These are the best easy mini lemon cheesecakes to serve for dessert at your next party or gathering. Top them with a simple strawberry sauce and enjoy!

mini lemon cheesecakes with graham cracker crust and strawberry sauce

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing this individual lemon cheesecakes recipe and I’m so excited. This recipe is actually an adaptation of a family recipe and it is perfect for entertaining!

A few years ago my husband got his Aunt Dorothy’s cheesecake recipe from his mom and has started making it once or twice a year with our kids. It is absolutely delicious, but sometimes we just don’t have room for a giant cheesecake to take up space in our fridge for a week while we eat it.

Mini Lemon Cheesecake Bites

Enter this mini version that I’ve created. I basically halved the recipe and then tweaked it a bit more in order to allow the recipe to create 12 mini cheesecakes.

These have actually become my new favorite way to eat cheesecake because they easy to serve – no cutting required and they’re the perfect size. They also have a great crust to filling ratio and after you bake them, the middle will sink down just a bit creating the perfect dip to hold a simple strawberry sauce topping.

What Ingredients Are Needed for Mini Lemon Cheesecake Cups

To make these mini cheesecakes, here’s what you need:

  • Graham crackers – we crush these up to make the crust with a dash of cinnamon and brown sugar
  • Butter – Melted to mix with graham crackers
  • Cream cheese – One package of full-fat cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream – we use regular but you could try the less fat version
  • Lemon – you’ll need the juice and the zest
  • Vanilla – for a little more flavor
  • Strawberries – if you want to make a simple strawberry topping

How to Make Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

Here’s how you make them:

  • Mix the graham cracker crumbs with butter and press a heaping tablespoon into each muffin tin liner.
  • In a bowl, use a mixer to whip softened cream cheese for 1 minute.
  • Gradually add in sugar while mixing.
  • Add eggs one at a time while continuing to mix.
  • Add sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla and mix 1 more minute.
  • Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of filling into each muffin tin.
  • Bake then take them out and let them cool on the counter for a while before moving them to the fridge.
  • Top with a simple strawberry topping and enjoy!
mini lemon cheesecakes baked

What are some topping ideas for mini lemon cheesecakes?

It’s totally up to you how you want to top these cheesecakes. For even more lemon flavor you could top with a little lemon curd. Or you can make a simple fruit topping by putting some berries in a small pan, sprinkling with sugar and letting them simmer for 10-20 minutes.

If you want to keep it super simple, top with a dollop of whip cream and a cherry.

Mini Individual Lemon Cheesecakes Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

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Easy Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

easy mini lemon cheesecakes recipe
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These are the best easy mini lemon cheesecakes to serve for dessert at your next party or gathering. Top them with a simple strawberry sauce and enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • zest from one lemon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • strawberries and sugar, optional for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line muffin pan with liners.
  2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon and melted butter and mix until well combined.
  3. Divide crumbs between 12 muffin tins (with liners). You should have about 1 heaping Tablespoon per muffin tin. Use the back of the tablespoon to press the crumbs down firmly into the bottom of each tin.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer while slowly adding sugar until well combined for about 1 minute.
  5. Add sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla and beat until well combined.
  6. Add eggs one at a time and mix until just combined – don’t overmix when adding the eggs or it will add too much air and cause the cheesecakes to sink too much after baking.
  7. Spoon 2 heaping Tablespoons of filling into each muffin tin. If you have any left, go back and add more to each cup. You can fill them almost to the very top.
  8. Bake at 350 for about 18 minutes. Don’t overbake.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Then transfer to the fridge to cool for at least 2 hours.
  10. To make a simple strawberry topping, combine strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar in a pan. Smash lightly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Smash again, transfer sauce to a container and cool.
  11. When ready to serve, spoon some of the strawberry topping onto each individual cheesecake.

Mini Lemon Cheesecake FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for the cheesecake?

I highly recommend using a fresh lemon since you need the zest as well.

How long do mini lemon cheesecakes need to bake? How do you know when the mini cheesecakes are done baking?

These mini cheesecakes take less than 20 minutes to bake. They’re done with the edges are set and the middle is just slightly jiggly.

How long should the mini cheesecakes cool before serving.

Cheesecake needs to cool slowly. Be sure to let them cool on the counter for 30 minutes before moving them to the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Can you make gluten-free mini lemon cheesecakes?

To make these gluten-free you can just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Is it necessary to use a water bath for mini cheesecakes?

No, a water bath is not necessary.

individual lemon cheesecake recipe

Are these mini cheesecakes suitable for a party? Can mini lemon cheesecakes be made in advance?

Yes! These are perfect for a party. You could easily make them a day or two in advance and just add toppings right before serving! You could also follow the steps up to baking and store in the fridge for 2-3 days and then bake the morning before you need them, making sure to leave 2+ hours for them to cool before you need to serve them.

Need more party desserts? Try:

How do you store mini lemon cheesecakes? Can mini lemon cheesecakes be frozen for later use?

Store these without toppings in a glass container in the fridge. The cheesecakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just transfer to the fridge to thaw before serving.

How do you prevent cracks in mini lemon cheesecakes?

Cracks usually occur from cooling the cheesecakes too quickly. Be sure to let them cool at room temperature first before transferring them to the fridge.

Also don’t overmix after adding the eggs. This will cause the cheesecake to puff up and then deflate a lot as it cools. Mix just enough to combine the eggs and then stop.

These are the best easy mini lemon cheesecakes to serve for dessert at your next party or gathering. Top them with a simple strawberry sauce and enjoy!

Mini Cheesecake Recipes

Want more mini cheesecake recipes? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Egg Wraps for Breakfast…Lunch AND Dinner!

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These Easy Egg Wraps are perfect for a low-carb, high-protein snack. Make several ahead of time and fill with things like turkey, avocado, cheese, hummus and more.

These Easy Egg Wraps are perfect for a low-carb, high-protein snack. Make several ahead of time and fill with things like turkey, avocado, cheese, hummus and more.

*Originally published May 2016. Updated April 2023*

Hi friends!

These Easy Egg Wraps just may be the world’s easiest snack idea. They’re also great for breakfast, lunch AND dinner. We’ve been making them for several years now and they’re still one of my favorites, along with my kids!

Here’s why I like them:

  • They’re great warm or cold.
  • They can be made ahead of time as part of your food prep. Learn more about meal prep in my course – Mastering Food Prep.
  • You can fill them with anything you want.
  • They’re super easy!

What are the nutritional benefits of easy egg wraps?

They’re similar to hard-boiled eggs in that they’re low-carb, gluten-free and high protein. A single egg contains 6 grams of protein plus healthy fats, Vitamins A, D and E and plus choline, iron and folate which are especially important in pregnancy.

Since I don’t care for hard-boiled egg yolk, these wraps are an easy alternative and a good way for me to make sure I’m getting the nutrients of the whole egg!

Kid-friendly Egg Wraps

These make a great lunch box addition! Especially with some cheese and pepperoni in them! Need more lunch box ideas? I have a whole guide! A Month of Easy Packed Lunches For Kids.

My oldest, who doesn’t love hard-boiled eggs will eat these for breakfast if I warm them up so it’s another quick option to have on hand. You can even use them in place of a fried egg and serve them on toast or in an egg sandwich.

Egg White Wraps – Can egg wraps be made with egg whites only?

Sure you could! I haven’t tried it myself but my guess is that you’d probably need 2-3 egg whites to make a wrap.

Use the same technique to cook them as you do for regular egg wraps.

Or try different versions like these Spinach and Feta Egg Wraps or Low Carb Egg Wraps with Goat Cheese. You can also buy Egglife Egg White Wraps.

These Easy Egg Wraps are perfect for a low-carb, high-protein snack. Make several ahead of time and fill with things like turkey, avocado, cheese, hummus and more.

Egg Wraps Ingredients

You guys won’t believe how easy these healthy egg wraps are. The wraps themselves are literally one ingredient- an egg. It’s basically like making a fried egg, just a little bit thinner and then filling it with other deliciousness if you want to.

If you’re looking for easy egg recipes, this egg wrap is a must-try!

Easy Egg Wraps Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

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Easy Egg Wraps

Egg Wraps 1
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These Easy Egg Wraps are perfect for a low-carb, high-protein snack. Make several ahead of time and fill with things like turkey, avocado, cheese, hummus and more.

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 minutes

Ingredients

  • Eggs
  • Optional fillings: turkey, avocado, cheese, hummus, fruit, yogurt, etc
  • Optional seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, basil, oregano, etc

Instructions

  1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil.
  2. In a bowl, crack one egg and mix well with a fork.
  3. Pour into a hot pan and tilt pan to spread egg into a large circle on the bottom of the pan.
  4. Let cook 30 seconds. (Sprinkle with seasonings if desired)
  5. Carefully flip with a large spatula and let cook another 30 seconds.
  6. Remove from pan and repeat with as many eggs as desired.
  7. Let egg wraps cool slightly (or fully), top as desired with fillings, roll and serve warm or cold.

Think you can handle that? So easy.

Easy Egg Wraps FAQs

Can easy egg wraps be customized with different fillings? What are some healthy filling suggestions for egg wraps?

You can choose to fill them however you’d like. My favorite combo is egg wrap + smashed avocado + turkey. My kids like them with turkey, hummus and cheese or cheese and pepperoni.

If you want to be adventurous, try filling them with yogurt and sliced berries like a crepe! Or try these Sweet Potato Egg Wrap Bites.

The filling possibilities are endless and I love that you can make a bunch of these ahead of time and then fill them quickly for a snack on the run!

Are these egg wraps suitable for meal prep?

Yes! I actually prefer eating these cold so I often make a big batch of 10 or so at a time and just grab one or two for a snack each day during the week.

You can easily reheat them in microwave if you prefer them warm or just grab one cold, add the fillings of your choice, roll up and eat.

How do you achieve a thin wrap-like consistency with the egg?

The key is to work quickly. Pour the whisked egg into a warm pan in a circular motion, then tilt the pan in each direction to help spread the egg out into a thinner circle. Remember that the circle doesn’t have to be perfectly round.

easy egg wraps

How long does it take to prepare an egg wrap? How do you store egg wraps?

It takes about 60 seconds to make each wrap. Once the pan is warm, crack an egg into a bowl and whisk with a fork. Pour into a pan, tilt to spread and cook 30 seconds on each side.

Store stacked or rolled in a glass tupperware container in the fridge.

Can you make these egg wraps in advance and freeze them?

I personally feel like freezing eggs changes the texture of them a little bit so I prefer only making enough for the week ahead.

Can you incorporate vegetables into these egg wraps?

You could mix some shredded vegetables like zucchini, carrots or peppers into the whisked egg before pouring into the pan. Or mix in some sliced green onions. Try these omelet spirals for an easy breakfast.

You could also try blending the egg with a handful of spinach before pouring into the pan.

Can you add spices to the egg mixture for more flavor?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite seasonings. A little bit of salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano or cayenne pepper would all make great additions.

Are these egg wraps gluten-free?

Yes! These egg wraps are naturally gluten-free.

These Easy Egg Wraps are perfect for a low-carb, high-protein snack. Make several ahead of time and fill with things like turkey, avocado, cheese, hummus and more.

Want more egg recipes?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad

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With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe for an Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

best easy tomato cucumber salad

*Originally published July 2015. Updated April 2024*

Hi Friends!

This easy tomato and cucumber salad is super simple, but it’s full of flavor. There’s something so refreshing about a veggie-packed summer salad like this one topped with a fresh, flavorful dressing.

The best time to enjoy this salad is the middle of summer when there’s an overabundance of cucumbers and tomatoes that need to be used up. Since it gets better the longer it sits, you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long. It’s the perfect addition to your Sunday food prep. Want to learn more about meal prep? I have a whole course to teach you. Check out Mastering Food Prep to learn all my best tips and tricks!

Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Italian Dressing

My mother-in-law has been making a similar salad using Italian dressing for years and my husband loves it. To make that version, simply slice up some tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions and then drizzle with Italian dressing.

While I love that version as well, I decided I wanted to put my own spin on it with a homemade dressing. If homemade dressing intimidates you, don’t worry! You probably have all the ingredients you need right in the pantry. Here’s what you need:

Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Ingredients

  • Cucumber – I prefer English cucumbers because they’re less watery.
  • Tomato – I use cherry or grape tomatoes and quarter them.
  • Red onion – Optional but adds some flavor
  • Oil – Any mild-flavored oil like avocado oil works well.
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Sugar – To add a bit of sweetness.
  • Black pepper – freshly cracked is best!

The dressing adds a light summer flavor while still letting the tomatoes and other produce shine!

How To Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

This recipe honestly couldn’t be any simpler – just slice up the cucumbers, tomatoes and onions and place them in a big bowl. Mix together the oil, vinegar, sugar and pepper and pour over the veggies. Toss to coat and let it marinate in the fridge.

Can a tomato and cucumber salad be made ahead of time for events? How long should cucumber and tomato salad be marinated before serving?

Yes! This is actually the perfect salad to make ahead of time because it tastes better the longer it marinates. I recommend making at least 2 hours ahead of time but it could easily be made 24-48 hours before an event.

How do I store leftovers of cucumber and tomato salad?

Store the leftovers in a glass container in the fridge. Leftovers are good for about 5 days. If you have extra dressing once the veggies are gone, just chop up some more vegetables and add them to the same container.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

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Easy Tomato and Cucumber Salad

cucumber tomato salad 1
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With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe for an Easy Tomato and Cucumber Salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced and halved
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar, more if desired
  • freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine tomato, cucumber and red onion in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with oil, vinegar and sugar and stir. Taste and adjust if needed, adding more vinegar or sugar if desired.
  3. Top with freshly cracked black pepper, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Cucumber Tomato Salad FAQs

What variety of cucumbers works best for tomato cucumber salad?

My favorite type of cucumber for this salad is an English cucumber. They are longer than traditional cucumbers and tend to be a bit sweeter as well as have fewer seeds.

If all you can find are regular cucumbers, that’s fine. I just recommend slicing them in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds before slicing them for the salad.

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for this salad?

Yes, you can use either. Cherry tomatos are round with thinner skin and they tend to be sweeter. Grape tomatoes are more oval shaped with thicker skin and they aren’t quite as sweet. Both will work equally well for this recipe.

How can I make a cucumber and tomato salad more filling?

I tend to think of this salad as a side dish or appetizer. But to make it a bit more filling, try adding a can of drained chickpeas or great northern beans. These pair nicely with the vegetables and also taste great with the dressing!

How do different types of vinegar affect a cucumber and tomato salad’s taste?

Red wine vinegar is my go-to vinegar for salad dressing but there are several other varieties you can use. Try rice vinegar, white vinegar or even apple cider vinegar if you have them on hand. Each will add a bit of a different flavor. Apple cider vinegar is a bit fruitier whereas white vinegar will have a stronger, more traditional vinegar flavor and you may need some extra sugar to balance it out. Rice vinegar will also be a bit more mild and less tangy than white vinegar.

What other seasonings can I use for a tomato and cucumber salad?

I keep it simple and just add black pepper to mine. You can always add a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavor. If you want something different, try adding some fresh dill, some garlic, parsley, mint or even some red pepper flakes to add a little spice.

Can I use other vegetables in a cucumber tomato salad?

You could add some sliced bell peppers or some shredded cabbage/coleslaw to change things up.

What to serve with cucumber tomato salad? What proteins pair well with tomato and cucumber salad?

While this salad tastes great by itself, you can also use it in other ways:

Tomato Cucumber Salad

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe for an Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

Want more cucumber salad recipes? Try these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls

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These Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls are full of flavor and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Pesto-marinated chicken with buttery quinoa and roasted veggies are the perfect match!

pesto chicken quinoa bowls

Hi friend!

Continuing with our quinoa series, today I’m sharing these Pesto Chicken Quinoa bowls. They are perfect for food prep because you can prep all the components ahead of time and throw them together for a quick bowl for lunch or dinner.

Plus they’re easy to customize with your favorite veggies!

Healthy Chicken Quinoa Dinner Recipes

In case you’ve missed any of the other quinoa recipes, you can check them out here:

gluten-free pesto chicken quinoa bowls with roasted green beans

How To Make Meal Prep Chicken Quinoa Bowls

To make or meal prep these Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls, you can tackle them in three parts:

For the chicken:

  • Make a simple marinade of pesto (I use store-bought but homemade is also fine), red wine vinegar, garlic powder and salt.
  • Cut the chicken into chunks and let it marinate up to 24 hours.

For the beans:

  • Spray beans and tomatoes with oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast to desired doneness.

For the quinoa:

  • Cook according to package directions. I always rinse mine first and cook in broth for extra flavor. Once it’s cooked, add butter and salt. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

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Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls

pesto chicken quinoa bowl
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These Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls are full of flavor and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Pesto-marinated chicken with buttery quinoa and roasted veggies are the perfect match!

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the beans:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • spray oil and salt

For the quinoa:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • salt to taste
  • juice from half a lemon, optional

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken in to 1-2 inch chunks and place in a Ziploc bag.
  2. Add pesto, red wine vinegar, garlic powder and salt. 
  3. Seal and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for 2-24 hours.
  4. When ready to eat, cook the chicken in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 8 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees. Cook time will depend on the size of your pieces.
  5. To cook the green beans, place the beans and tomatoes on a baking sheet. Spray with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
  6. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Let sit covered for 10 minutes after removing from the heat. Stir in butter and season with salt and lemon juice to taste.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl FAQs

Can I use homemade pesto for the quinoa bowls? How can I make the pesto from scratch?

Yes. I use store-bought but you’re welcome to use homemade pesto. If you want to make your own, here’s a recipe for easy homemade pesto.

What are some vegetarian protein alternatives to chicken in this recipe?

To make these bowls vegetarian, you could try mixing white beans with the marinade mixture and then saute them on the stovetop before serving.

Can I substitute another grain for quinoa?

If quinoa isn’t available, you could make these bowls with rice, barley, farro, rice noodles or even cauliflower rice.

Is this pesto chicken quinoa bowl gluten-free?

Yes! If necessary, be sure to check your pesto to make sure it’s made with gluten-free ingredients.

How can I add more vegetables to this bowl?

You could easily add other roasted vegetables to this dish. Broccoli, sweet potato, asparagus or carrots would also be great options. You could even serve the whole thing over a bed of leafy greens or spinach.

What are some low-carb alternatives to quinoa?

You could try brown or wild rice. You could also try riced vegetables – cauliflower rice, broccoli rice or carrot rice could be used!

How long will these quinoa bowls last in the fridge?

The components for these bowls should be good in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Gluten-Free Pesto Chicken Recipe

These Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls are full of flavor and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Pesto-marinated chicken with buttery quinoa and roasted veggies are the perfect match!

Easy Weeknight Quinoa Bowls

Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Try these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Salmon Quinoa Salad

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This Salmon Quinoa Salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Make it during your food prep session and enjoy all week long!

salmon quinoa salad

*Originally published June 2013. Updated 3/2024*

Hi Friends!

If you’re anything like me and struggle with new ideas for lunch, this salmon quinoa salad is perfect for you! It’s quick and easy and you can prep all the components ahead of time so it comes together in a flash.

If you’ve missed any of the other quinoa recipes I’ve shared lately, check them out here:

Easy Meal Prep Salmon Salad

I love this salmon as a meal prep option because you can prep all the components ahead of time.

  • Cook your salmon in the oven, on the grill or in the air fryer while your quinoa is cooking on the stove.
  • Once the quinoa cools, mix it with the corn, peppers, tomato, onion and arugula.
  • Mix the dressing in a mason jar so you can store it separately.
  • When you’re ready to eat, toss the salad in the dressing and top with salmon and avocado!

Since arugula is pretty hearty, you could even mix it in the morning and it would still be fine at lunchtime.

salmon quinoa bowl recipe

Healthy Salmon Quinoa Salad Recipe

It uses just a few simple ingredients that I pretty much always have on hand. Here’s what you need:

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Salmon Quinoa Salad

salmon quinoa salad with arugula
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This Salmon Quinoa Salad is perfect for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. Make it during your food prep session and enjoy all week long!

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

  • 1 pound salmon, cooked and flaked
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium avocado, cubed
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (I use sliced green onions but you could use red or white)
  • 2 cups arugula (or baby spinach)

For the dressing:

  • 3 Tbsp oil (I use avocado oil)
  • 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice (juice from one medium lemon)
  • 2 – 3 tsp honey or maple syrup (to desired sweetness)
  • Optional – crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the salmon. I season mine with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper and bake in the oven. Then flake it apart.
  2. Cook quinoa according to package directions. (1/2 cup dry will give you about 2 cups cooked)
  3. Combine tomatoes, corn, avocado, onions, quinoa and arugula in a large bowl.
  4. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine dressing ingredients and mix well.
  5. Pour dressing over salad.
  6. Top with salmon and serve.

Easy enough, right?

Salmon Quinoa Salad FAQs

Is this a gluten-free salmon salad?

Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, along with all of the other ingredients.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes! If you’d prefer to use canned salmon you can. Feel free to season it however you’d like!

What color quinoa is best for this salad?

Any kind is find. I typically use white quinoa but multi-color/tri-color is fine too.

How do I store leftovers? How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Store the components separately as mentioned above and assemble when ready to eat. Components should be good in the fridge for about 4 days.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes! You can skip the homemade dressing and just use your favorite store-bought variety if you’d prefer.

Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?

Yes! Try adding slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a little crunch in each bite.

Gluten-Free Salmon Salad

This Salmon Quinoa Salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Make it during your food prep session and enjoy all week long!

Summer Quinoa Salad Ideas

Looking for more quinoa salad ideas? Here are a few to try:

Let’s chat: What’s your favorite way to eat salmon?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Turkey Walnut Taco Meat

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This Turkey Walnut Taco Meat is made with ground turkey, chopped cauliflower and walnuts. It’s an easy way to reduce your meat consumption without going completely vegetarian! Use it in tacos, burritos, nachos and more.

Turkey Walnut Taco Meat in a taco salad with roasted sweet potatoes and avocado

*Originally published 2/2020. Updated 3/2024*

Hi friends!

Get ready for this Turkey Walnut Taco Meat to become a staple at your next taco night. If you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet but aren’t quite ready to give up meat completely, recipes like this are a great place to start.

By focusing on adding more plant protein, you can stretch your meat and hopefully even reduce your grocery bill a little bit because we know meat can be expensive.

I did something similar in these Red Lentil Chicken Nuggets and also in this Chicken and Chickpea Noodle Soup. 

If you’re not sure what kind of tortillas to get for your taco night, here are the Best Healthy Store Bought Tortillas.

Healthy Turkey Walnut Tacos

Taco meat is something I make pretty much every Sunday. My husband loves to have it prepped and ready for tacos, salads and rice bowls. For a while now, I’ve been adding veggies to the ground turkey when I prep it. I usually just throw in whatever I have on hand: shredded zucchini or carrots, chopped mushrooms, cauliflower rice, chopped peppers etc.

Recently, I aimed to double the amount of taco meat I made while still only using a pound of ground turkey. I chose to add chopped cauliflower and walnuts and it turned out so well I made it two nights in a row!

Walnut Taco Meat with Turkey

Walnuts are perfect because they’re a softer nut (not super crunchy like an almond) so they add some texture without a huge crunch. Same thing with cauliflower. I prefer to chop mine by hand so I can choose what size to leave it.

After you saute it with the turkey, it cooks and softens, but still retains some of its texture…ie it doesn’t get mushy. You could also easily use cauliflower rice or pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor!

Best Taco Night Recipes

If you’re looking for more recipes for your next taco night, try one of these:

Turkey Walnut Taco Meat with salsa, avocado and chips

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of homemade?

To season, you can use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning (I always look for a low-sodium version) or check the recipe below for a quick homemade version I whipped up that turned out great.

If you’re trying to transition from store-bought to homemade, try doing half-and-half as you adjust to less sodium than you may be used to!

How can I make this turkey walnut taco meat spicier?

To make it spicier, try adding more chili powder or some cayenne pepper to the spice mix!

Turkey Walnut Taco Meat Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

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Turkey Walnut Taco Meat

Turkey Walnut Taco Meat with Cauliflower
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This Turkey Walnut Taco Meat is made with ground turkey, chopped cauliflower and walnuts. It’s an easy way to reduce your meat consumption without going completely vegetarian! Use it in tacos, burritos, nachos and more.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: approx 4 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground turkey
2 cups finely chopped cauliflower (or cauliflower rice)
1.5 cups chopped walnuts
Homemade taco seasoning (1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin, plus a little salt)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
  2. Add turkey, cauliflower and walnuts.
  3. Cook until turkey is no longer pink (drain if necessary).
  4. Add taco seasoning, mixing well. Taste and add another half teaspoon of each seasoning if desired.
  5. Use taco meat as desired – in tacos, burritos or enchiladas, on nachos or taco salads etc!

Notes

You can sub a packet of store-bought taco seasoning for the homemade spice mixture.

This taco meat is super versatile and full of flavor. Use it however you normally use your taco meat!

Turkey Walnut Taco Meat FAQs

Can I use another meat besides turkey?

Yes! You could easily sub ground beef in this recipe if you prefer.

What can I substitute for walnuts if I have an allergy? How can I make this recipe without nuts?

If you have a nut allergy, try replacing the walnuts with 1.5 cups of cooked green lentils.

Can I make this taco recipe vegan?

I would recommend trying my Instant Pot Lentil Taco Meat if you’re looking for a vegan option, or you could try replacing the ground turkey with a plant-based meat substitute or crumbled tempeh.

How long does the taco turkey meat last in the fridge?

Leftover turkey taco meat is good in the fridge for 3-4 days after cooking.

Can this taco recipe be frozen for later use?

Yes! Cool the taco meat completely and then freeze as desired. You could freeze the whole batch or portion into smaller serving sizes before freezing.

What are some serving suggestions for this turkey walnut taco meat?

Use this just like you would use any taco meat. You could use it as filling in enchiladas or tacos, serve it over chips for nachos, put it in a burrito with rice or serve over lettuce as a taco salad.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes! Feel free to sub a bag of frozen cauliflower rice vs making your own from fresh cauliflower.

turkey walnut taco meat

Looking for some vegetarian taco meat recipes? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Broccoli Chicken Quinoa Casserole

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This broccoli chicken quinoa casserole is perfect for a healthy, balanced meal. Perfect for food prep or make it for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch!

gluten-free broccoli chicken quinoa casserole

Hi friend!

We’re continuing our series of easy quinoa meals with another easy and flavorful chicken and broccolic quinoa casserole. In case you missed any of the previous recipes, be sure to check out:

Since my last recipe was a slow cooker recipe, I decided to use the oven this time. This recipe does involve making a quick cheese sauce on the stovetop but I promise it’s not too much extra work.

chicken and broccoli quinoa casserole

How To Make Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

To make this casserole you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Broccoli – I use fresh broccoli florets
  • Quinoa- I use white but you could also use tri-colored quinoa
  • Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well but you could also use chicken thighs
  • Chicken broth
  • Bacon – This is optional but adds flavor
  • Leeks – I always keep these on hand in the freezer but you could substitute onions
  • Cornstarch – This is used as a thickening agent
  • Milk – I use 2% milk but any kind should work
  • Cheese – Cheddar or Colby jack are good options. To change things up you could try pepper jack
  • Spices – A simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper

Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa Bake Recipe

Here’s the recipe and directions!

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Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole

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chicken quinoa broccoli casserole

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli
  • 3–4 strips bacon, diced
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2/3 cup sliced leeks
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided (or colby jack)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Spray 9×13 pan with oil and add diced chicken, broccoli, quinoa and broth to the pan.
  3. Cook bacon in a pan, then drain excess grease and add bacon to the chicken mixture.
  4. Wipe the pan clean, add butter and leeks and saute 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add cornstarch and spices and stir to combine.
  6. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly.
  7. Add 1 cup shredded cheese and stir for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and mixture is slightly thickened.
  8. Add cheese sauce to the chicken mixture in the pan and stir until well combined.
  9. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove foil, stir well and return to oven for 30 more minutes.
  11. Stir again, top with remaining cheese and place under broiler for about 4 minutes.

Healthy Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Casserole FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Since frozen broccoli releases moisture as it cooks, subbing fresh for frozen could affect this casserole. I recommend using fresh but if you don’t have it, I would saute the frozen broccoli for a few minutes to help it thaw before adding to the casserole.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! If necessary, look for certified gluten-free quinoa, bacon cornstarch and spices.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You could substitute cannellini or great northern beans for the chicken and omit the bacon to make this casserole vegetarian.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is great for food prep. Simply cook it when you have time and reheat the leftovers when you’re ready to eat them.

gluten free chicken broccoli and quinoa bake

How should I store and reheat the leftover broccoli chicken quinoa casserole?

Store the casserole in a glass storage container and reheat in the microwave or warm in the oven!

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! I love to use Souper Cubes (aff link) to freeze this casserole in 1 or 2 cup portions and then reheat to eat in the future.

Can I add other vegetables to this chicken and broccoli quinoa casserole?

You could easily mix in vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or green beans. I would not recommend adding firmer vegetables like potatoes or carrots unless they diced very small to ensure they cook.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe? What can I substitute for cheese?

This recipe is not dairy-free but you could try this Easy Broccoli Quinoa casserole from Ela Vegan.

This broccoli chicken quinoa casserole is perfect for a healthy, balanced meal. Perfect for food prep or make it for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch!

Looking for a similar recipe with the quinoa cooked ahead of time? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20+ Quick Easy Strawberry Desserts

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Here are some quick easy strawberry desserts your family and friends will love – including no-bake, frozen and 3 ingredient options.

strawberry desserts easy

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about strawberry dessert recipes that are easy and quick. Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits and we enjoy them fresh in the summer and frozen during the cooler months.

Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C – even more than oranges! – which can boost your immune system and they’re a great source of antioxidants.

While I enjoy fresh strawberries as a healthy topping for things like yogurt and cereal and my kids love them for any meal of the day, they’re also a great addition to desserts!

They pair well with creamy options like cream cheese and cool whip and are the perfect match for crumb toppings and crusts using things like graham crackers, oreos and pretzels.

Here are some strawberry dessert recipes easy enough for anyone to make:

easy no bake strawberry desserts recipes

Easy No Bake Strawberry Desserts Recipes

No baking is required for these easy strawberry desserts. Made with simple crusts or easy layers, these no-bake desserts are quick to assemble and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat!

frozen strawberry desserts

Easy Frozen Strawberry Desserts

If you’re looking for a cool treat on a hot day, try one of these easy frozen strawberry desserts. Everything from creamy pie to sorbet to bars with a delicious crumble topping!

easy strawberry desserts with cool whip

Quick Easy Strawberry Desserts with Cool Whip

Cool whip helps make these desserts light and fluffy and adds the perfect amount of creaminess that pairs well with strawberries.

easy strawberry desserts with few ingredients

Easy Strawberry Desserts with Few Ingredients

See something you like? Be sure to pin this post to save the ideas for later.

Here are some quick easy strawberry desserts your family and friends will love - including no-bake, frozen and 3 ingredient options.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Taco Salad

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This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegetarian dinner. Cook the lentils in the Instant Pot and serve over lettuce with all your favorite toppings.

Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad - vegetarian taco salad

*Originally published 1/2018. Updated 2/2024*

Hi friends-

If you’re a taco lover, you’ve gotta try this Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad. This recipe is vegan and perfect if you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation.

When people ask me for ways to ease into meatless meals, one of the first swaps I recommend is lentils for ground meat. Lentils are quick and easy to cook and don’t have much flavor so they easily take on the flavors of whatever you’re cooking. They’re also similar in size and texture to ground meat. Here’s How To Cook Lentils in case you want to make this recipe on the stovetop.

Best Lentil Recipes

If you’re looking for more ways to use lentils, try these:

If you’re just not quite ready to switch to fully vegetarian meals, you can start by replacing half of the ground meat in recipes with lentils as you adjust.

How To Make Lentil Tacos in the Instant Pot

To make this recipe in the Instant Pot, you first use the saute function. Add your onions, garlic, jalapeno, carrots and spices and saute for a few minutes.

Add lentils and broth and cook for 6 minutes. After the pressure releases naturally for 10 minutes, release the rest of the pressure and drain any remaining liquid. Mash the lentils a few times, then stir in some walnuts for added texture if you want to.

Use your lentil taco meat for tacos or taco salad with your favorite toppings.

If you don’t have carrots or don’t want to use them, mushrooms work well also!

vegan lentil taco meat

How To Make Lentil Taco Meat on the Stove Top

This recipe can easily be made on the stovetop as well, you just need to cook your lentils separately.

Follow these directions to cook the lentils.

In a large saute pan, saute the onion, jalapeno, garlic, carrots and spices for 5-7 minutes. Stir in 2 cups cooked lentils. Mix well and mash a few times, then add walnuts if using them!

If you’re looking for more lentil taco-inspired recipes, try:

Vegetarian Lentil Taco Salad Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

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Vegan Lentil Taco Salad

vegan instant pot lentil taco salad
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This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegan dinner.  Lentils make a great substitute for ground meat if you’re looking to transition to more plant-based meals. 

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 2/3 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots (shredded, then chopped) *
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup green lentils (uncooked)
  • 1.75 cups vegetable broth
  • 2/3 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • Lettuce for salads
  • Toppings: corn, tomatoes, onion, avocado, peppers, etc

Instructions

  1. Add oil to instant pot and turn on the saute function. 
  2. Add onion, jalapeno, garlic, carrots and spices and saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Add lentils and broth, stir well and cook on manual mode for 6 minutes. 
  4. Once cooked, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
  5. Drain any excess liquid (there shouldn’t be much). 
  6. Mash lentil mixture a few times with a masher or fork (you don’t want to mash them completely).
  7. If using walnuts, stir them in now.
  8. Prepare your taco salad with a base of lettuce, lentil taco meat and any other desired toppings.

Notes

*Instead of carrots, you could use diced mushrooms

Feel free to use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning for this recipes. Start with 2 Tbsp.

Lentil Taco Salad FAQs

Can I use any type of lentils for this recipe?

I would recommend green or brown lentils for this recipe. They are easily found at most grocery stores and hold their shape well when cooked. Red lentils would not be a good option for this recipe.

What makes lentils a good substitute for meat in taco salads?

Lentils are great for mimicking the texture of ground meat. They don’t have much flavor on their own so they easily absorb the flavors and spices that you add to whatever dish they are in. They’re a great source of plant-based protein and fiber along with other nutrients like B vitamins, iron and magnesium.

How can I make this lentil taco salad spicier?

You could easily add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture when cooking the lentils. You could also use a serrano pepper instead of a jalapeno. Or try topping the whole salad with your favorite hot sauce!

How do I store leftover lentil taco salad? What’s the best way to reheat the lentil mixture?

Store the lentil taco mixture separately from the lettuce and other salad toppings. I store in a glass Pyrex container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You could also freeze leftovers to be thawed out later.

To reheat you can use the microwave or put the mixture in a pan with a splash of water and reheat.

vegan lentil taco salad

What dressing would pair well with this salad?

My favorite dressing for this salad is an avocado-style dressing – basically a mix of avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and salt. I don’t measure but if you want a recipe try this Avocado Yogurt Dressing.

Another easy option is to use salsa or guacamole as a dressing, or try mixing salsa with plain yogurt or sour cream for a creamier option.

What are some quick and easy toppings for this lentil taco salad?

The sky is the limit for toppings when it comes to this salad! Some ideas:

  • Peppers
  • Onions
  • Corn
  • Sauteed fajita veggies
  • Pico de gallo
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips or strips
  • Quinoa or farro
  • Black beans

What are the best types of lettuce for this taco salad?

Try red or green leaf lettuce or romaine if you like a little more crunch!

Is this lentil taco salad gluten-free?

This lentil taco salad is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to pay attention to any toppings you add if you need them to be gluten-free as well!

Can the lentil taco salad be served as a meal prep option for the week?

Yes! Just prep the lentil taco mixture and store in a separate container. You can also chop all your veggies ahead of time, including the lettuce, to make assembling the salad a breeze!

Can I add black beans to the lentil taco meat mixture for extra protein?

Absolutely. Feel free to add your favorite beans to the mix after the lentils have cooked. You could even stir in some quinoa or farro.

This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegetarian dinner. Cook the lentils in the Instant Pot and serve over lettuce with all your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Air Fryer Steak Bites

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If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!

How to make air fryer steak bites with butter

*Originally posted Oct 2022. Updated Feb 2024*

Hi friends!

I’ve been meaning to share these super easy air fryer steak bites for a while now. My daughter is a huge steak fan and she loves these. If you prefer to cut your steak while eating, you can definitely cook full steaks in the air fryer, I just find it easier to do the cutting beforehand and then the bites are ready to serve to my kids right away after cooking.

If you’d prefer a slow cooker recipe, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak.

How long to cook steak in the air fryer?

Since we’re making steak bites, they cook super quickly – think 4-5 minutes tops. I use top sirloin and typically cut the pieces in half lengthwise and then cut into 8 cubes. My top sirloin is typically about an inch thick and cooks to 135 degrees F in 4 minutes. If you’re looking to cook other types of steaks in the air fryer you definitely can, they just might take a few more minutes. Here’s a little summary of cooking times for you when you cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees F:

Air fryer steak cooking chart:

  • Rare: 125 degrees F: 5-7 minutes
  • Medium-rare: 135 degrees F: 7-10 minutes
  • Medium: 145 degrees F: 9-12 minutes
  • Well done: 160 degrees F: 12-15 minutes

*Cooking time will vary depending on your steak thickness. If steaks are about 1 inch thick, time will be on the lower end of the range. If they’re closer to 1.5 inches it’ll be towards the longer end. The great thing about the air fryer is it’s super easy to pull out the basket, take a quick temperature check and add time if needed. Also, remember that the steak will continue to cook a few degrees after you pull it out!

How to cook garlic sirloin steak bites in the air fryer?

Now that we’ve covered cooking temps, let’s talk about how exactly to cook these. It’s super important to preheat your air fryer. You want the basket to be hot when you drop them in to give the outside a little sear. Other than that, all you have to do is cut your steak into bite-size pieces, sprinkle on some seasonings and cook!

When they’re done, I like to toss them in a little melted butter. You can mix in some garlic powder or parsley for flavor, or even some cayenne pepper to give them a little bite!

Want a few more air fryer sirloin steak recipes? Check out:

How to reheat steak in an air fryer?

When it comes to reheating steak, you can also use an air fryer. I like to set the temperature to about 350 degrees F and toss the steak in for 3 minutes or so. If you’re reheating steak bites, they might only take a minute or two since they’re smaller!

air fryer steak bites medium rare

*Make sure you cut your steak across the grain! Not like I did in this photo 🙂 This is called being in a rush, trying to get work done while your kids are home!*

Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe

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Air Fryer Steak Bites

air fryer steak bites
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If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 – 1.5 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1–2 Tbsp butter
  • dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Cut top sirloin into bite-sized pieces. I usually cut them in half lengthwise and then 4 times across to make 8 cubes per steak and place into bowl.
  2. In a small bowl mix garlic powder, salt and pepper and brown sugar.
  3. Pour over steak and stir until well coated. 
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
  5. Add steak and cook 4 minutes. Check temperature and remove or cook an additional minute.
  6. Remove from air fryer and place in a bowl. Add 1-2 Tbsp butter and stir to coat steak bites as it melts. Sprinkle with desired seasonings like dried parsley, more salt and garlic powder etc!

Notes

Feel free to customize the seasonings. You can add cayenne pepper for spice, try a steak seasoning blend or increase the garlic powder. 

When adding butter at the end you can sprinkle with salt, parsley or other seasonings.

If you’re worried about overcooking, check at 3 minutes!

So easy and so delicious! These steak bites would also be great on my Steak Cobb Salad! If you prefer to grill, try these Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs. Want to try different types of steak?

Air Fryer Steak Bites FAQs

How to cook air fryer steak bites with garlic butter?

I just add plain butter to mine, but these would be great with garlic butter. It’s so easy to whip up some easy garlic butter at home and add it before serving!

Can I make spicy air fryer steak bites?

While steak isn’t usually a type of protein that I make super spicy, here’s a spicy steak marinade that you could swap for the one in the recipe before following the air fryer directions.

Can I make these steak bites without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you could use the marinade in this recipe and cook whole steaks on the grill. Or if you like the idea of bites, cut the meat as directed, thread them onto skewers and cook them like kabobs on the grill!

Can I use a different cut of steak?

I would recommend sirloin or strip steak for this recipe. Or you could try a boneless ribeye.

Do I need to flip steak in the air fryer?

No need to flip, but I do like to give my cubes a shake about halfway through cooking!

What do I serve with steak bites? What’s the best side dish to serve with steak bites?

These steak bites pair well with just about any vegetable and your favorite carb! Keep it simple and pair with some roasted green beans and potatoes. A few other side dish ideas: Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta, Maple Bacon Carrots or Pesto Corn Salad!

What temperature do you air fry steak?

400 degrees Fahrenheit works great!

How long can you marinate the steak before cooking in the air fryer?

You can marinate for just an hour or two, or up to 24 hours!

Are there any gluten-free marinade options for air fryer steak bites?

Homemade marinades can easily be made gluten-free. Oil and red wine vinegar is a great combination for liquids or just add a little oil and your favorite spices for more of a wet rub marinade.

Are air fryer steak bites good for meal prep? How long do they last in the fridge?

Yes! These are great for meal prep. They’re good for 3-4 days in the fridge after cooking.

An easy and delicious way to cook steak without the grill- air fryer steak bites!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

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This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Pair it with rice and vegetables or add to your favorite salad. This can also be made in the oven!

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu with white rice and broccoli

*Originally published June 2020. Updated Feb 2024*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing a super easy way to make honey garlic tofu in the air fryer! If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t leave yet! This can also be made in the oven. 

If you do have an air fryer and you’re looking for other recipes, here are a few to try:

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

I’ve experimented with tofu a bit in the past and honestly have not fallen in love with it. This recipe has me changing my feelings. I’ve found that tossing in cornstarch and putting in the air fryer has given me the texture I enjoy most. 

If you’re already a tofu lover and are looking for more ways to enjoy it, here are a few ideas:

What To Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

This recipe is designed to just give you flavorful protein option. Serve it with whatever you want! It pairs well with steamed or roasted veggies and rice. You can add it to salads.

Crispy Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu with broccoli

How To Make Honey Garlic Tofu Sauce

This recipe basically involves 2 simple steps:

  • Cube the tofu, toss in cornstarch and cook in the air fryer.
  • Transfer to a skillet and add a simple sauce

The cornstarch on the tofu will help the sauce thicken right up to coat the tofu pieces and boom! Ready to eat.

To make the simple sauce, you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Soy sauce (or tamari) – Use tamari to make it gluten-free
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Garlic – I like lots of garlic for flavor
  • Ginger – optional but I like the flavor it adds
  • Honey – feel free to adjust the amount to make it as sweet as you like

After you’ve air-fried the tofu, transfer it to a skillet, add the sauce and let it thicken for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little broth to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, let it cook a few more minutes.

Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

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Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu with white rice and broccoli
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This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Pair it with rice and vegetables or add to your favorite salad. This can also be made in the oven!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 3-4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 (14 oz) block extra firm tofu
1/3 cup cornstarch
spray oil (I use avocado oil)
3 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
2–3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp fresh ginger
1.5 Tbsp honey
optional: sesame seeds, green onions, sriracha

Instructions

  1. Press tofu for at least one hour. I cut the block in half to make two thinner pieces, place on a plate, top with another plate and set a heavy skillet on top.
  2. Drain excess liquid and then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  3. Place in a bowl and toss gently with cornstarch.
  4. Preheat air fryer at 375 F for 5 minutes. Place tofu in the air fryer and spray lightly with oil.
  5. Cook in air fryer for 20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
  6. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and honey. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed and mix well.
  7. Transfer tofu to a skillet and add sauce. Saute 3-5 minutes, stirring to coat all pieces in the sauce and let the sauce thicken.
  8. Serve with sesame seeds, sliced green onions and sriracha if desired.

Notes

If you don’t have an air fryer you can place the cornstarch coated tofu on a baking sheet, spray with oil and bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

That’s it! So easy and a great way to try out tofu. I’ve been enjoying it over rice and veggies but I’ve also been loving it on a salad. Current fav combo is mixed greens, tofu, candied pecans, apples, red onions and crumbled feta. Yassss.

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu FAQs

What type of tofu is best for making Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu?

Be sure to use extra firm tofu for this recipe! There are several different brands available and any are fine, it’s the firmness that matters most.

How do I press tofu properly for this recipe?

If you cook a lot of tofu, it might be worth investing in a tofu press (aff link) but if you just cook it occasionally, here are directions for how to press tofu.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener for a vegan version?

Sure. Maple syrup is an easy substitute for honey and would work well in this recipe.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that I can use?

Yes, tamari can be substituted for soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free cornstarch if needed.

How do I store leftovers of Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu and how long will they last?

Store leftovers in a glass storage container in the fridge! Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Leftovers are good for 3-4 days.

Can I prepare Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu in advance?

Yes. It will be its crispiest right after you cook it and add the sauce but you can certainly make in advance and reheat it. It still tastes great!

Can I double the recipe in the air fryer?

You can double the recipe but I would recommend cooking in two batches. If you overcrowd the air fryer, the tofu won’t get as crispy.

How do I ensure the tofu doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket?

The cornstarch coating should help as well as the oil you spray on it. Just be sure to shake the basket every few minutes.

Can I use this recipe with other types of protein like chicken?

Yes! This recipe would work well with chicken also but you’d need to reduce the cooking time in the air fryer. Cubes of chicken should cook quickly in 5-6 minutes.

This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Pair it with rice and vegetables or add to your favorite salad. This can also be made in the oven!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

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This slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy week. Or enjoy some now and freeze half for later.

slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new slow cooker recipe for you! I’ve been on a mission lately to find some delicious ways to enjoy quinoa. A few recipes I’ve developed so far and make often include:

Since we’re deep into the middle of winter, I knew I wanted to test out some casserole-style recipes since they’re easy to make and they’re warm and comforting on cold nights.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole with Quinoa

This slow cooker casserole is a new favorite of mine. The best part about it is that it truly is a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Just dump all of the ingredients in, give it a stir and let it cook.

Here’s all you need to make it:

  • Quinoa- uncooked. I like to rinse mine first.
  • Black beans – drained and rinsed
  • Corn – I use canned but frozen is fine
  • Diced tomatoes – I use plain diced tomatoes but you could also use Rotel
  • Diced green chilis – choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference
  • Chicken broth
  • Enchilada sauce – use your favorite brand. I use a 16 oz jar. If you’re using 10 oz cans, I would use two and reduce the chicken broth by 1/4 cup.
  • Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt
  • Shredded cheese – I use colby jack but you could use cheddar or even pepper jack
easy crockpot chicken quinoa enchilada casserole

How To Make Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Bake in the Crockpot

To make this slow cooker casserole, simply combine all ingredients except the cheese in the crockpot and stir well. Cook on low for about 6 hours, then shred the chicken and stir in the cheese before serving!

Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Slow Cooker Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use. It’s very forgiving so feel free to add some extra veggies or double the beans and skip the chicken etc to meet your family’s needs.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada bake
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This slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy week. Or enjoy some now and freeze half for later.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
  • 1.25 cups chicken broth
  • 16 oz enchilada sauce *
  • 1 (15.5oz) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (15.5oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (4 oz)can diced green chilis
  • 1 Tbsp cumin
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (I use Colby Jack)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except the cheese in a crockpot.
  2. Stir well.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours. 
  4. Shred the chicken and stir in the cheese before serving

Notes

* I use a 16 oz jar of enchilada sauce. If you’re using a 10oz can, I would use 2 cans and reduce the chicken broth to 1 cup.

Make this spicy by using spicy enchilada sauce and hot green chilis or keep it mild.

Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole FAQs

Can I freeze slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole?

Yes! Let it cool completely and then portion into containers to freeze. I love Souper Cubes (aff link)

Can you make this slow cooker quinoa enchilada recipe vegetarian?

You can easily leave out the chicken in this recipe and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Try adding another can of black beans or some pinto beans for variety.

Can you make this recipe in the instant pot?

I haven’t tried this recipe in the instant pot yet but you could try this recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa Enchiladas.

Can I add other vegetables to the quinoa enchilada casserole?

Absolutely. Some diced peppers and onions would make a great addition.

This slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy week. Or enjoy some now and freeze half for later.

Need more crockpot recipes? Try these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

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These No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a healthy twist on carrot cake- no oven required! Guaranteed to please a crowd at your next party or gathering.

carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting

*originally published 4/2017. Updated 1/2024*

Hi Friends!

As far as dessert goes, carrot cake can be a bit of a polarizing topic, am I right? First of all, are you willing to eat a dessert with vegetables in it? Do you like nuts? How do you feel about raisins? What about coconut?

There’s a lot to unpack there and everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but it’s MY opinion that you should give these no bake carrot cake cream cheese bars a try!

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s be clear that these bars are not a replacement for actual carrot cake. If that’s what you want, try this incredibly moist carrot cake or this carrot cake recipe. But if you’re looking for an alternative, these bars may be the answer.

They’re made with a simple crust of nuts, dates, carrots and spices and then topped with a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for an easy frosting. If you’re feeling wild, you can add some shredded coconut on top!

I’m not a fan so I opted for a sprinkle of cinnamon and some shredded carrots. You could also put some chopped nuts on top or mix them into the frosting.

healthy no bake carrot cake bars

Healthy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

Here’s exactly what you need to make these bars:

  • Nuts– I use a mix of pecans and walnuts. You could also try adding almonds to the mix.
  • Dates– Soft medjool dates with the pits removed.
  • Shredded carrots – You’ll shred them first and then add them to the food processor so they get chopped up even smaller
  • Spices- A simple mix of cinnamon and ginger
  • Greek yogurt- plain greek yogurt makes up the majority of the frosting
  • Cream cheese – we add some cream cheese for flavor and to help it thicken
  • Maple syrup – to sweeten the frosting
  • Vanilla extract

How To Make Easy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

To make these bars, just follow these simple steps:

  • Add nuts and dates to the food processor and process until well chopped. (Cuisinart food processors are my favorite – aff link)
  • Add carrots and spices and pulse again.
  • Press the mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan (I like this one from Wilton– aff link)
  • To make the frosting, mix softened cream cheese with yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla.
  • Spread on top of the bars and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Easy Carrot Recipes

Want more easy carrot recipes and don’t mind turning on the oven? Try one of these:

No Oven Carrot Cake Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Kylie @ Yeah Imma Eat That who guest-posted and shared this recipe on my blog years ago!

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No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

no bake carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting
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These No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a fun twist on carrot cake, no oven required! Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

  • Author: Lindsay L
  • Yield: 8 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Scale

Bottom Layer

  • ½ cup walnuts
  • ½ cup pecans (or almonds)
  • 1 cup dates, pitted (~8 dates)
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup carrots, grated
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Frosting

  • ½ cup 2% or full fat Greek yogurt, plain
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • shredded coconut
  • chopped walnuts or pecans
  • cinnamon and shredded carrots

Instructions

  1. Add nuts and dates to a food processor and process until well chopped.
  2. Add shredded carrots and spices and process until a ball of dough forms.***
  3. Press dough into a parchment paper lined 9×5 loaf pan.
  4. In a bowl, use an electric mixer to combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup and vanilla. Mix on high speed until smooth.
  5. Spread frosting over pressed-out dough. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.
  6. Allow bars to set in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing into 8 bars.
  7. These are best eaten off a plate with a fork vs trying to hold them in your hands because the crust isn’t super firm.

Notes

***You may want to put the shredded carrots in a paper towel and give them a quick squeeze first to remove excess moisture. If your dough doesn’t form a ball, add 1 Tbsp of water.

Are you drooling yet?

No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars FAQs

What are some alternative nuts that can be used as the base layer of No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

I really like the combination of pecans and walnuts. You could also try replacing half the nuts with almonds. Using all almonds will make a bit of a firmer crust. Using all walnuts will make the crust even softer. I would not recommend using peanuts as it will change the flavor of the recipe.

Will No Bake Cheesecake melt?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. The cream cheese helps thicken the frosting as it sets but if you take them out and let them sit at room temperature the frosting will begin to get a little runny.

Can I substitute dates with another dried fruit in this recipe?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Dates really are the best option for the crust of these bars.

no bake carrot cake cream cheese bars

How long do the No Bake Carrot Cake bars need to set in the fridge before serving?

Let the bars set in the fridge for at least an hour. The cream cheese in the frosting needs time to thicken again after being softened to keep the frosting from sliding off the bars.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup in the frosting?

You could try substituting honey but it might alter the flavor a little bit.

What additional toppings can I add to these bars for variety?

The original recipe called for shredded coconut. I prefer mine with an extra sprinkle of shredded carrots plus some cinnamon. If you like nuts, try mixing some chopped walnuts into the frosting before spreading or sprinkling some on top.

What are the best ways to store these No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. I like to cut them and place them in a flat single layer in a glass storage container with a lid and keep them in the fridge until I’m ready to eat.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese in this recipe? How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

You could try using a dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese to make this frosting. Try this Kite Hill dairy-free cream cheese. Here are some Vegan Greek yogurt options.

Could these be considered healthy no-bake carrot cake breakfast bars?

I would absolutely serve these for breakfast! You can always decrease the maple syrup in the frosting a little bit!

These No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a healthy twist on carrot cake- no oven required! Guaranteed to please a crowd at your next party or gathering.

Need more no-bake carrot cake recipes?

Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

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This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables roasted with peanut sauce is a quick, healthy dinner recipe. Easy to customize and clean up is a breeze.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables recipe

*Originally posted 11/2016. Updated 1/2023*

Hi friends!

We’re continuing to share quick and easy dinner recipes as we enter the new year. Sheet pan dinners are hugely popular for a good reason. They’re quick and easy. They’re easy to customize. And you’re not left with a lot of dishes to wash.

This sheet pan chicken and vegetables with peanut sauce is the perfect intro to sheet pan meals. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and most of it is hands-off cooking time.

Sheet Pan Chicken Recipes

If you’re looking for more sheet pan chicken recipes, here are a few to try:

sheet pan chicken with vegetables broccoli and red peppers

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Roasted

You can eat the roasted chicken and vegetables alone or pair it with cooked grains (like quinoa or rice) or roasted potatoes (probably my fave combo).

If you decide to eat it with roasted root vegetables like potatoes, I highly recommend cooking them for 35 to 40 minutes, and tossing them midway through.

If you don’t like broccoli and red peppers, you could try green beans or asparagus, carrots or even Brussels sprouts.

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast Tips

Here’s a few more cooking notes for the recipe:

  • Chicken breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and I find that chicken breasts are often times thicker on one side. To guarantee even cooking, I cut the chicken breasts in half crosswise, separating the thicker portion from the thinner one. Then, I slice the thick portion of the chicken breast horizontally to get two ½-inch slices. So, one breast should yield 3 pieces, sometimes 4 if the breast is very thick all around.
  • Finally, all of the chicken pieces and vegetables should fit in one large jelly roll pan. Make sure that you don’t crowd everything into a small sheet pan because you’ll end up steaming everything instead of roasting them. If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, 2 large rimmed baking sheets will do the job.
sheet pan chicken and vegetables roasted

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables

Here’s the recipe!

This recipe was originally shared by my friend Lisa over at Healthy Nibbles & Bits as a guest post when I was on maternity leave.

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Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is a quick, healthy dinner recipe. Top it with a flavorful peanut sauce and the whole family will love it!
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ to 1 ¾ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • kosher salt
  • 1 pound broccoli crowns
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup creamy unsalted peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (sugar or maple syrup works too)
  • juice from ½ lime (about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • pinch of salt
  • sesame seeds, optional
  • sliced green onions, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a large jelly roll pan or 2 large rimmed baking sheets with foil or parchment paper. If you are using foil, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken in half crosswise. Slice the thicker portion of the chicken breast horizontally so that you get ½-inch thick slices of chicken. If the chicken breast is very thick, you might also want to slice the other half horizontally. Sprinkle all chicken pieces with kosher salt. Spread chicken pieces on top of prepared baking sheets.
  3. Cut broccoli into smaller pieces. Toss the broccoli with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them over the baking sheets.
  4. Seed the red pepper and slice into strips. Toss with remaining olive oil and spread them over the baking sheets.
  5. Bake everything for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the temperature of the meat reaches 165F.
  6. I like my broccoli quite roasted, so I will plate the chicken and continue roasting the vegetables for another 8 to 10 minutes. You can leave the peppers on the baking sheet.
  7. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. Mix all of the peanut sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer the sauce warmed, heat it in a saucepan on low.
  8. Serve roasted chicken and vegetables with peanut sauce and your favorite grains or root vegetables.
  9. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. Refrigerate any leftover sauce for up to 1 week.

Sounds tasty, right?!

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables FAQs

How long should you bake sheet pan chicken and veggies?

The exact cooking time will depend on how thick your chicken is. I suggest checking the temperature after 13-15 minutes and adjusting from there. You can always remove the chicken once it reaches 165 degrees F and continue to cook the vegetables if you want them further roasted.

What are the best vegetables to use for a sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe?

Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, peppers, asparagus and carrots will all cook similarly. Root vegetables are fine to use, they will just require additional cooking time.

How do you ensure the chicken and vegetables cook evenly on a sheet pan?

The most important thing to do is to pound or cut your chicken so that all pieces are an even thickness. This will help them all cook evenly. In addition, using vegetables with similar cooking times will help everything cook evenly.

Can this sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe be made with frozen vegetables?

Yes! You can roast vegetables straight from frozen. You may need to add a few additional minutes of cook time.

What are some gluten-free variations of the sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe?

This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use tamari and not soy sauce.

How can you adjust the cooking time if I want to add root vegetables to the sheet pan?

If you’re choosing to use root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes or parsnips, place them on the pan and roast for 20 minutes or so before adding the chicken and other additional vegetables and cooking according to recipe directions.

It may be beneficial to cook root vegetables on a separate sheet pan.

Can you use different cuts of chicken for this sheet pan recipe?

Yes! Chicken thighs would work well for this recipe. They tend to stay moist and not dry out as easily as chicken breasts.

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a quick and healthy. Top it with a flavorful peanut sauce and the whole family will love it!

Chicken and Vegetable Healthy Recipes

Want more chicken and veggie recipes that aren’t sheet pan style? Try these:

What’s your favorite sheet pan dinner?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Skillet Cashew Chicken

by 6 Comments

This Skillet Cashew Chicken recipe is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

Skillet Cashew Chicken - an easy one-pan dinner

*Originally posted 5/2018. Post & recipe updated 1/2023*

Hi friends!

Just popping in to share a quick and easy dinner idea we’ve been loving lately – Skillet Cashew Chicken. I love this meal because you can make it all in one pan…and you can totally customize it to fit your family.

Don’t like broccoli? Try swapping in green beans. Don’t like spice? Leave out some of the sriracha and add a different spice. The sauce is super easy to make and it thickens up right in the pan while you’re cooking!

How To Make Cashew Chicken

Making this recipe is super easy and involves just a few steps:

  • Dice your veggies and your chicken.
  • Toss the chicken in cornstarch.
  • Mix up the ingredients to make the sauce.
  • Saute the chicken and veggies.
  • Add the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
  • Serve in lettuce wraps or over rice.

Healthy Cashew Chicken Recipes

This Skillet Cashew Chicken checks all the boxes in my book – quick, easy (pretty much all you have to do is a little chopping), packed with lean protein and veggies and most importantly – delicious.

If you’re looking for more recipes like this, try:

easy cashew chicken recipe

Skillet Cashew Chicken

I’ve served this over regular rice, cauliflower rice and in lettuce wraps! Or just eat it straight out of the pan, right?

I know cashews are a bit pricey, but if you don’t regularly buy them, I’d advise looking for them in the bulk bins. Then you can get only what you need for this recipe without buying a whole bag.

You can also look for them in the baking section where they often come already chopped/in pieces.

Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

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Skillet Cashew Chicken

Skillet Cashew Chicken - an easy one-pan dinner
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This Skillet Cashew Chicken is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 – 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 3 cups diced veggies (I use carrots, peppers & broccoli)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey or brown sugar)
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger (I use ginger paste)
  • 1–2 Tbsp sriracha (or other hot sauce)
  • 1 cup cashews, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • lettuce wraps or rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss in cornstarch.
  2. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat and add vegetables and garlic.
  3. Saute vegetables for 5 minutes.
  4. Add chicken and saute another 5 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, broth, tamari, maple syrup, ginger and sriracha and mix well.
  6. Add sauce to the pan and stir until everything is well coated. Cook another 3-5 minutes until sauce is thickened and chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
  7. Stir in cashews and green onions and serve in lettuce wraps or over rice.

Notes

Taste and add more sriracha if desired.

Pretty easy right? The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken up a little as it bubbles away over medium to medium-high heat.

Cashew Chicken Recipe FAQs

What is cashew chicken?

Cashew chicken is a stir-fry of chicken and vegetables with a salty-sweet sauce that thickens up and coats the chicken and veggies.

What’s an easy cashew chicken sauce recipe?

Most traditional recipes use sesame oil but I don’t like the taste so mine does not. I use a combination of rice vinegar, chicken broth, tamari or soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a sweetener like maple syrup and a hot sauce like sriracha.

Can I use this recipe for cashew chicken lettuce wraps?

Yes! This recipe can easily be spooned into lettuce wraps for a quick weeknight meal that you don’t even need utensils for!

How can I make a vegetarian version of skillet cashew chicken?

You could easily make this with tofu! I would use extra firm tofu, press the water out, pan sear it and then set aside while you saute the veggies and add it back in and add the sauce. You could also use white beans instead of chicken.

How do you store leftover skillet cashew chicken? Can skillet cashew chicken be made ahead of time for meal prep?

Store in a glass pyrex container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave! The flavors of this dish deepen as it sits so feel free to make ahead of time and reheat all week long.

What are the best types of skillets to use for making skillet cashew chicken?

You can use whatever pan you want to make this. Grab your favorite non-stick skillet or try a cast iron skillet if you have one.

healthy cashew chicken recipe

What about a cashew chicken recipe for crockpot?

My version is not designed for the crockpot but if you’re looking for a crockpot recipe, try this Crockpot Cashew Chicken or this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe. Just note the cook time won’t be very long since the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces. It will likely cook in 3 hours or so.

Can you make cashew chicken in the instant pot?

Here’s a great recipe for Instant Pot Cashew Chicken.

Is cashew chicken spicy?

This is totally up to you. My recipe calls for sriracha or your favorite hot sauce but you can use as much or as little as you’d like, or leave it out completely!

Is cashew chicken gluten-free?

As long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your hot sauce is gluten-free then yes!

What to serve with cashew chicken?

Serve this with lettuce wraps or a side of rice and you’ve got a complete meal in 20 minutes!

This Skillet Cashew Chicken recipe is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

Want more chicken recipes? Check out:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

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This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

sheet pan chicken recipes - sheet pan caprese chicken

*Originally published 5/2019. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

I’ve gotten a lot of requests for sheet pan chicken recipes and I’ve got a super easy one to share with you today. I’m a huge fan of sheet pan meals because they’re so easy to throw together and even easier to clean up. This one cooks in no time at all and it is full of flavor.

If you haven’t ventured into the world of sheet pan meals, there are so many great ones out there! The benefits of sheet pan meals include how quickly you can cook both a main dish and sides at the same time, how many different flavor combos are out there and how easy the cleanup is especially if you line your pans with foil or parchment paper.

I’ve shared several sheet pan meals on the blog over the years. Some of my favorites include Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage, Sheet Pan Italian Salmon, Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Quinoa Bowl and Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas.

sheet pan chicken breast recipe - caprese chicken

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast Recipes

If you’re looking for more sheet pan chicken recipes, here are some to try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts:

Sheet Pan Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you’re partial to chicken thighs you’re not alone! A lot of people love them for sheet pan meals because they’re a bit higher in fat and tend to stay juicy vs drying out. Here are a few recipes to try:

sheet pan caprese chicken

How To Make This Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner

Making this sheet pan dinner couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you do:

  • Prepare a simple balsamic marinade and let the chicken marinate at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Trim the ends off green beans and place them on a baking sheet with cherry tomatoes.
  • Spray green beans with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  • At the other end of a baking sheet, place the marinated chicken.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the green beans, drain the liquid from around the chicken and then top the chicken with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes and broil for a few minutes to melt the sheet.
  • Drizzle everything with more balsamic vinegar if you want to and serve!

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Recipe

Here’s how you make this Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken. 

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Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

sheet pan chicken breast - sheet pan chicken caprese
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This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbps oil
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1– 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp basil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 pound green beans, ends trimmed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (reserve 4–5 tomatoes and slice them thinly)
  • fresh mozzarella
  • fresh basil
  • optional – fresh pesto

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 3-4 pieces and pound to even thinness.
  2. Place chicken in a ziploc bag with balsamic, oil, maple syrup, mustard and spices.
  3. Mix until well combined and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
  4. On a large baking sheet, make one foil compartment that takes up 2/3 of the baking sheet and fill with the green beans and cherry tomatoes. Spray or drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  5. Make a separate foil compartment for the chicken breasts on the remaining 1/3 of the baking sheet. Pinch the edges up so the juices will stay contained as the chicken cooks.
  6. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. (Chicken temperature should be around 155 degrees).
  7. Remove the green beans/tomatoes from the sheet pan and drain the liquid from the foil section around the chicken.
  8. Top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella and a few thinly sliced cherry tomatoes.
  9. Place under the broiler on high for 5-6 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked to 165 degrees F.
  10. Serve warm, drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving if you want to!

Notes

  • Swap green beans for another veggie like broccoli, cauliflower or asparagus if you want to!
  • Try spreading each chicken breast with 1 Tbsp pesto before topping with cheese and broiling for extra flavor!
  • I like my green beans cooked but still crunchy. If you prefer them softer, you may want to put the green beans in alone for 5 minutes before adding the chicken.

See?? Super simple! As I mentioned above, if you want to add some extra flavor, spread some pesto on the chicken before you top it with mozzarella!

Sheet Pan Chicken Recipes FAQs

What is chicken caprese made of?

Caprese generally means a combination of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes plus basil, salt and oil. This chicken caprese recipe combines all of those ingredients with a base of balsamic marinated chicken to turn it into a healthy, flavorful sheet pan chicken dinner.

How long to cook sheet pan chicken?

The exact cook time for sheet pan chicken will depend on the type and thickness of chicken used. I pound my chicken relatively thin before cooking so that it cooks quickly and it’s all the same thickness so it cooks evenly.

Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs you use, cook time may be longer that that stated in this recipe.

What goes with caprese chicken?

Since you’re cooking the main protein and some vegetables all at once, you really don’t have to add much to make this a complete meal. I’d recommend adding some of your favorite carbohydrates. Try some rice or quinoa, roasted potatoes or even your favorite pasta!

sheet pan caprese chicken with green beans and tomatoes

Is chicken caprese healthy?

Yes! Lean chicken breasts are marinated to add a lot of flavor and paired with your favorite veggies for a healthy, balanced meal.

Is caprese chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe for caprese chicken is gluten-free. Just make sure any additional side dishes you pair with it are gluten-free if needed!

Can you make sheet pan chicken caprese with potatoes or asparagus?

The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily customize the vegetables. You could swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli with a very similar cook time. If you prefer to swap potatoes, they probably require 10-15 minutes of cook time by themselves before you add the chicken!

What cheese alternatives can I use in my sheet pan caprese chicken?

If you don’t have fresh mozzarella available, this would be equally delicious with most types of cheese. Try provolone, havarti or muenster!

Can I prepare sheet pan caprese chicken ahead of time? What’s the best way to reheat leftover caprese chicken?

Yep! You can marinate and then assemble the sheet pan and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Or you can bake it ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat. Try using an air fryer at lower heat to reheat the chicken and re-melt the cheese. Or simply microwave to reheat!

This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

Let me know if you give this one a try!! Be sure to check out all my other sheet pan meals as well!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

by 1 Comment

These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are quick, easy and perfect for dinner on a busy night. They cook quickly and make great leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

*Originally published 2/2018. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

Just popping in to share my new favorite sheet pan shrimp dinner – Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas.

How To Cook Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp is one of my favorite quick-cooking proteins. Whether you cook them in the oven or on the stove, they’re done cooking and ready to eat in under 10 minutes.

For this recipe, we cook the veggies for a bit first since they take longer and throw the shrimp on halfway through. One pan, easy cleanup, dinner in under 20 minutes!

Here’s what you do:

  • Thinly slice peppers and onions and remove tails from shrimp if needed.
  • Make your spice mixture – we use a combo of chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. You could easily swap in your favorite taco seasoning if you want to.
  • Divide the spice mixture in half and add half to the shrimp and half to the veggies, plus a little oil and garlic and toss to coat.
  • Cook the veggies on a sheet pan for 10 minutes.
  • Push the veggies to half the pan, add the shrimp and cook another 5-6 minutes.
  • Top with lime juice and cilantro and serve with tortillas, salsa and guacamole.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Recipes

Looking for other sheet pan shrimp recipes:

sheet pan shrimp dinner recipe - sheet pan shrimp fajitas

Guys, this is just so easy. And the leftovers are even better. One of my fav meals for sure!

Sheet Pan Shrimp Dinner Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

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Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

sheet pan shrimp fajitas
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These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are quick, easy and perfect for dinner on a busy night. They cook quickly and make great leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and devined (thawed)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1–2 bell peppers (red, orange or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • juice from 1/2 a lime
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • additional toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, black beans, rice, tortillas, cheese, etc

Instructions

  1. Place shrimp in one bowl and sliced veggies in another.
  2. Divide oil and lime juice between two bowls and toss to coat.
  3. In a small bowl combine spice and stir until mixed. 
  4. Divide seasoning between shrimp and veggies and toss to coat. 
  5. Place veggies on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
  6. Move veggies to half the pan, add shrimp and bake an additional 8-10 minutes. 
  7. Serve in tortillas with desired additional toppings.

Notes

To make it even easier, skip the spice mix and use your favorite taco seasoning!

See what I mean? Piece of cake. Let me know if you guys try it!

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas FAQs

What’s a good shrimp fajitas sauce?

These fajitas are great with your favorite salsa or guacamole. If you want to get even fancier, try making a lime crema by mixing plain greek yogurt with some minced cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper.

You could also try this Spicy Green Sauce or this Spicy Feta Dip, thinned out to make a sauce.

How to eat these besides as shrimp fajitas tacos?

If you’re not in the mood for tacos, try these shrimp fajitas in a bowl – serve over rice with some black beans or pinto beans and top with cheese and corn. Or serve over a bed of lettuce for a salad. You could even chop everything into bite-sized pieces and put them in a quesadilla!

How to serve shrimp fajitas?

If you are in the mood to eat fajitas, the easiest way to serve these is to just leave them on the pan. Set out all additional toppings and let everyone assemble their own!

what to serve with shrimp fajitas

How often should you eat shrimp a week?

Most recommendations say to aim to eat shrimp and other seafood twice a week! Shrimp is a great source of protein that’s low in fat and high in selenium which is important for heart and thyroid health.

Can you make sheet pan shrimp with vegetables besides peppers and onions?

Absolutely! If peppers and onions aren’t your favorite, try a different mix of vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots etc!

Can you make sheet pan frozen shrimp?

If your shrimp are frozen, the broiler is actually the most effective way to cook them. I would use two separate sheet pans and cook the veggies first, then turn on the broiler and cook the frozen shrimp under the broiler for about 5 minutes.

What to serve with shrimp fajitas? Sides for shrimp fajitas?

Serve these will all your favorite fixings – guacamole, salsa, corn, corn salsa, black beans, refried beans, cheese, avocado and more!

These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are quick, easy and perfect for dinner on a busy night. They cook quickly and make great leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Chicken Pitas

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These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

*Originally published 7/2017. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about spicy chicken pitas today. This is one of my favorite food prep recipes and I hope you’ll love it too.

The Best Spicy Chicken Food

There are so many great spicy chicken meals out there. The best part is that you can make chicken spicy in a lot of different ways. You can use spices like cayenne pepper to add heat, like I do in this recipe. You can also use other spices like chili powder.

In addition, you can add things like:

  • Sriracha
  • Tabasco
  • Jalapenos or serranos
  • Red curry paste
  • Harrisa
  • Chili paste
  • Hot honey
  • Dried red chilis

Many of these work well in things like curries, soups and casseroles and can also be incorporated into marinades and sauces.

Ideas for Spicy Chicken Meals // Spicy Healthy Chicken Recipes

If these pitas aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, here are a few more ideas to try:

You could also try serving chicken with this Spicy Green Sauce or this Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip!

spicy chicken recipe for pita bread

How To Make Spicy Chicken Pitas

But let’s get back to these spicy chicken pitas, shall we? I love this meal because you can do everything ahead of time and then just throw everything together when you’re ready to eat. When you have time:

  • Combine oil and spices in a Ziploc bag with chicken and let marinate in the fridge.
  • Mix yogurt with cucumber, garlic and lemon juice and stick it in the fridge.
  • Chop up some lettuce, tomato and onion.
  • Cook and slice the chicken and store until ready to eat.

When you’re ready to eat, add chicken, lettuce and tomato to a pita. Top with yogurt sauce and serve!

Simple Chicken Pita Recipes // Chicken Pita Pocket Recipes

Here’s the recipe I use. Want some other options? Check out:

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Simple Spicy Chicken Pitas

spicy chicken pitas
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These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup whole milk plain yogurt (I use Greek but regular is fine)
  • 2 Tbsp finely diced or shredded cucumber
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or grated fresh garlic)
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whole wheat pitas, halved
  • Additional diced veggies: tomato, lettuce, red onion, cucumber
 

Instructions

  1. Add chicken to a Ziploc bag. Pound to even thickness if needed. 
  2. Add oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper and toss to coat.
  3. Let marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours or overnight.
  4. Cook chicken as desired – bake, grill, air fry. I cook mine in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until it reaches 165 degrees F.
  5. Let the chicken cool and then thinly slice.
  6. Mix yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, salt and grated cucumber. Add chopped fresh dill if desired. Store in the fridge.
  7. When ready to eat, fill pitas with chicken and chopped veggies. Top with sauce and enjoy!

And don’t forget – you can use the chicken in other ways, not just in pitas! I ate some of the leftovers with rice and green beans. It’d be great in tacos, etc. So…you get the point. The chicken is versatile. But I happen to really like it in these pitas.

chicken pita pockets recipes

Spicy Chicken Pitas FAQs

Spicy Chicken Meal Prep and other chicken marinades?

If you’re looking for other chicken marinade recipes, here are a few I love:

Just make sure you have some oil, as well as something acidic like vinegar, lemon juice or Greek yogurt to go along with your favorite spices and you’ll be all set!

Do you have a homemade pita recipe easy?

I don’t have one on my site but I’ve made them before and they’re quite easy. And it’s fun to watch them puff up in the oven. Try this Easy Homemade Pita Bread recipe or the easiest homemade pita bread recipe.

Is there a grilled chicken pita recipe?

You can easily grill the chicken in this recipe! Once it’s marinated, just toss it on the grill for a few minutes on each side until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.

Ideas for other chicken pita filling recipes?

If you don’t like these fillings, you could easily use the chicken add change up the fillings. Try avocado and cheese, grilled fajita veggies or try adding some spinach and crumbled feta!

These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–